A Long Feud Between the Brooks and McFarlands

On April 24, 1896 Thomas Brooks attempted to rob an old Texas Ranger, who reportedly had stashed a huge amount of cash near Dogtown in the Indian Territory.  But the Ranger was waiting for Brooks and shot him dead.

Brooks’ family charged that it was a setup by their enemies, the McFarlands, and both clans armed themselves.  Gunfire, rustling and violence ensued. The feud went on for six years and claimed a half-dozen lives (half at a shootout in Spokogee—in photo) before family leaders on both sides let things just fade out.